Chion

Papillon Chihuahua Hybrid Dogs, Papihuahua, Chi-a-Pap, Pap-Chi

Family: CanidaeChion or Papihuahua Picture"Maddox"Canis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Arlene Salas
Latest Reader Comment - See More
Just bought an 8 week Chion little girl yesterday with my two teenage boys. Anything we can do to be sure she doesn't become aggressive to any of the three of us?... (more)  Kelly Coleman

  The adorable Chion is a small and delicate little dog. Like it's parentage this is a lively little dog that is quite loveable.

The Chion is a mixed dog breed, a cross between the Chihuahua and the Papillon. Chions may have any combination of traits from its parentage, but there are some things that you can be relatively sure about. Both the Chihuahua and the Papillon are charming dogs that are active yet affectionate. They are also quite intelligent. When selecting a Chion, look for eye, gum and joint problems.


  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Carnivora
  • Family: Canidae
  • Genus: Canis
  • Species: lupus familiaris

Common Name(s) Chion, Papihuahua, Chi-a-Pap, Pap-Chi

Breed Type The Chion is a mixed breed. A cross between the Chihuahua and the Papillon, this is a lively and loveable hybrid.

Background The Chion is a somewhat rare hybrid, and there is little reliable information about its origins. Most Chions are the result of first generation crossbreeding.

Description Chions are small dogs, usually with long or medium length coats. They come in a variety of colors and have large, erect ears. Height and weight vary, but are less than 11 inches and 10 pound, respectively.

Care and Feeding Both Chihuahuas and Papillons thrive on a diet that includes poultry, so it's safe to assume that Chions will do well on such a diet as well. Gentle brushing is the most important step in maintaining a Chion's coat. Nails should be trimmed regularly, and baths given as needed.
Chions need regular checkups to stay healthy. Vaccinations are due as follows:

  • 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
  • 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
  • 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
  • Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster

Chions are average shedders. Regular vacuuming of the carpet and furniture is essential.

Housing Your Dog Chions are indoor dogs. Some bark excessively, so they may not be the best choice if you live in an apartment.

Social Behaviors Chions are too small and delicate to be handled by young or rambunctious children. They may not like strangers, and they tend to be aggressive toward other dogs. But with proper socialization, they may get along with other pets.

Handling and Training Chions may be easy to train, or they may be rather headstrong. They are usually very smart, though, and can learn lots of things from a firm and patient trainer.

Activities Chions are active, and they need daily walks and play sessions to stay healthy. They enjoy playing off-leash outdoors when weather permits.

Breeding/Reproduction Chions are often bred back to Chihuahuas or Papillons. When selecting a mate for your Chion, check for gum and joint problems.

Common Health Problems Chions may have a fontanel, or soft spot in the skull. Care must be taken to protect this sensitive area from injury. This breed may also be prone to colds.

Availability Chions can be difficult to find in many areas. Prices vary.

References "Chion", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
"Chihuahua", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
"Papillon", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a Chihuahua", Referenced online, 2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a Papillon", Referenced online, 2008

Lastest Animal Stories on Chion

Kelly Coleman - 2013-04-22
Just bought an 8 week Chion little girl yesterday with my two teenage boys. Anything we can do to be sure she doesn't become aggressive to any of the three of us? She has a very sweet temprament right now.

  • Jasmine Brough Hinesley - 2013-04-22
    My biggest piece of advice would be to just make sure to keep on top of her discipline. If she starts acting up discipline her right away so that she knows what she can and can't do and forms good habits while she is young. If you let her get away with bad behaviors (nipping, barking, etc.) she will grow into an adult doing these things and will be harder to change her.
  • Gayla - 2013-05-27
    I'm interested in getting a Chion puppy in late June or later--may I ask where your little girl came from??!! Thanks!
Reply
Kelly Coleman - 2013-04-23
Wow, amazing the difference in just one day. Our new puppy Chion came home sweet and fairly docile, and is apparently getting very comfortable in her new home. She was extremely rambunctious but also very aggressive with nipping and biting, almost uncontrollably. Any suggestions on how to discipline aside from a good stern 'NO' each time?

  • Clarice Brough - 2013-04-23
    Sounds like a cute and energetic puppy. I would start with love and consistent gentle discipline. But most of all, she's a puppy, so I would say patience and giving her plenty of time to get used to her new home and to grow up.
Reply
amy - 2012-08-23
Just adopted 4 year old Chion. He hates being alone. When we leave we put him in kennle is this ok? He barks alot and shakes! Do they need hair cuts?

  • Charlie Roche - 2012-08-23
    Many don't like being alone.  Try leaving an unwashed t-shirt and socks in the kennel with him.  They don't need hair cuts but they do need grooming - which in some cases is a hair cut.  If you don't keep them brushed regularly, they mat and it gets hard to get the mats out.  Shaking is part of the nature of a chihauhua - which is 50% of the Chion mixure.
  • Cara - 2012-09-06
    I have a chion girl that just tuened 3 yesturday she is such the spoiled little runt in my family I am trying to get over I have a Scottie and she is 10 so I am going to miss her alot she is such a great dog if u don't know this is really hard for me beacuse she was I think the 5-10 thing I saw when I was born
Reply
aroha adkisson - 2012-05-09
I have a chion but even though i have read that they are very sociable. She growls at my husband everytime he tries to touch her. One day she bit him on the lip when he was just trying to kiss her by her nose. But when i do it she doesn't bite or growl, shes use to me im aroudn more often but when it omes to my husband she is very protective but on the other hand she also protects him when he is around people. Intersting. How do I get my chion to be comfortable with my husband.

  • Charlie Roche - 2012-05-11
    WOW difficult one. Sounds like she is most protective of you and then protective of the family. Have your hubby give the chion little treats with commands. Sit, Stay, Pet, Hug etc -- I like to use turkey hotdogs sliced and then quartered and just in a bag in my pocket. Your hubby without realizing it may have done something that scared the pup - so he maybe just has to get the pup used to him and you might as welll use it as training time also,.
  • Dawn - 2012-05-12
    Hi, I also have a female chion. She growls and bites anyone who tries to move her if she is resting, she snaps at children who try to stroke her. She is remorseful afterwards and knows she has done something wrong. She is very loveable and playful but when she doesn't want to be bothered, she makes it known. When she does attack, she is very quick and quite aggressive. She is very protective of me but she will even snarl at me if she doesn't want touching.
Reply
carmen - 2012-11-11
Could someone, anyone, pleeease tell me where i can get a chion?! The breed would be perfect for me. I am located in philadelphia. Willing to travel to new york, new jersey, delaware and upstate pennsylvania. Looking to purchase or adopt a puppy preferably female. Thank you!

  • Charlie Roche - 2012-11-12
    When you are starting from scratch - quickest way is to Goggle        Chion Breeders.   You will come up with many - all over the US but possibly one close to you. 
Reply

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